Meet Carol LaFayette-Boyd – The 2018 Female Athlete of the Year.

Meet the incredible and inspirational athlete named as the 2018 Athlete of the Year and whom continues to break records everywhere she goes.

Who am I?

Name: Carol LaFayette-Boyd

Age Group: 75-79

Nationality: Canadian

Event (s): 50m, 60m, 200m, Long & Triple Jump, just retired from High Jump, have run 300, 400 and Shot Put.

When did I start Athletics: 1992 at age 50

Pre Masters Pbs – too long ago to remember

Masters Pbs – Not sure if you want overall PB or this age group 75-7950m – 7.73 age 60 and 8.07 at age 75 60m – 8.99 age 61 and 9.40 at age 75 100m – 13.75 age 60 and 14.82 wind assisted and 15.03 at age 76 200m – 29.37 at age 60 and 31.56 at age 76 300m – 52.48 at age 61, last ran at age 71 400m – 76.96 at age 61, last ran age 71 Long Jump – 4.47m age 65 and 4.09 at age 75 Triple Jump – 9.09 age 62 and 8.46 at age 75 indoors High Jump –competed 19 times since age 69 – 1.25m age 69, 1.24m age 76

Shot Put – 9.01m age 59 last threw at age 67

What is your biggest accomplishment as a ‘master-athlete’ so far? And how did/does it make you feel? I received Overall Female Master of Year 2018. Grateful to God for my ability and opportunity to compete. Surprised as I was expecting some other deserving athlete.

Why do you still compete? What keeps you motivated?

I compete to stay healthy. Staying fit keeps me motivated

How do you balance life and athletics? Athletics is a part of my life. I try to balance spiritual, family and physical as very important to live a happy and healthy life.

When is your next master’s competition, Target? Canadian National competition is in Edmonton on March 8-10. My target is to break the 200 record (run under 33) and do a PB in 60.

What is your diet like? I try a balance of 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat, lots of water.

What is a typical training week for you? (Winter or Summer) For both winter and summer it is 3 days a week for at least 90 minutes each workout. I do weights when I find time (would like to do at least twice a week). I sometimes do deep water conditioning.

What one or two things do you currently do in your training that is key to your success? I stretch every morning (if possible). I do NOT do any static stretching before a work out and I drink plenty of water throughout the day and during a workout and competition.

Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites)?

Books by great athletes I know

The Ageless Athletic Spirit – Bill Collins with Rick Riddle

The Complete Guide to Running – Earl Fee

Guide to Natural Posture & Running – Helly Fisher & Roger Davies

What was the best advice you were ever given? To not do any static stretching before a workout and speak positively.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Where can people follow you? (Links to social media etc) I am on Facebook, but do not correspond much, mostly like and share.

Anything else you’d like to share?

We athletes could not do what we do without the tireless work of officials, coaches and volunteers. I have great coaches and fellow athletes in my club. I really appreciate Saskatchewan Athletics, Canadian Masters, World Masters, Doug Smith, John Seto, Ken Stone and all those who make Masters Athletics visible and helpful to us.

Carol has also asked if we would share this story regarding her History, read it HERE